WASHINGTON — The United States has announced plans to train Qatari Air Force fighter pilots under a new defense cooperation program aimed at enhancing military capabilities and regional security.
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the initiative will be based at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, where Qatari pilots will undergo advanced flight training on F-15 fighter jets. The program is part of a broader strategic partnership between the two nations, focusing on defense collaboration, technology sharing, and joint readiness.
Officials said the training facility will be built with Qatar’s financial support, while the base will remain under U.S. control. The program is expected to boost interoperability between the U.S. and Qatari air forces — a move seen as critical to maintaining stability in the Gulf region.
Defense analysts say the partnership reflects Qatar’s growing role as a key U.S. ally in the Middle East, especially in counterterrorism operations and regional air defense.
